Upgrade RAM or Graphics worth it?

[Dominic-london]

I'm considering upgrading my pc, perhaps the RAM and/or graphics? But I'm not sure if I'll notice the difference. I'm not a gamer, but sometimes the pc feels a little sluggish when there's a lot of programs open.

Current system:
- Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz
- RAM 4.00 GB
- ATI Radeon HD 4300/4500 Series
- Hard drive: 500gb

I'm considering upgrading to
- Dell AMD ATI Radeon HD 7470 , 7000 series , PCI-E Graphics Card , 1Gb GDDR3

So will I notice any big difference? Software programs loading quicker etc?

Or should I be upgrading the RAM?

Thanks

 

[IROCZ]

If you are not gaming, I would up the RAM.

 

[HR_Luka]

What OS do you have? (Windows 8.1/8/7/Vista/XP and 64-bit/32-bit)

 

[13thmonkey]

that'll be more memory related (are you on DDR2 (expensive) or DDR3 (cheaper) use CPU-Z to find out) and a little to do with a slightly older processor. GPU won't make any difference. An SSD would make a very nice difference.

 

[HR_Luka]

that'll be more memory related (are you on DDR2 (expensive) or DDR3 (cheaper) use CPU-Z to find out) and a little to do with a slightly older processor. GPU won't make any difference. An SSD would make a very nice difference.

DDR2 is cheaper and DDR3 is more expensive.
If you feel its slow when opening files from your HDD you can think about buying newer HDD or even an SSD.

 

[13thmonkey]

that'll be more memory related (are you on DDR2 (expensive) or DDR3 (cheaper) use CPU-Z to find out) and a little to do with a slightly older processor. GPU won't make any difference. An SSD would make a very nice difference.

DDR2 is cheaper and DDR3 is more expensive.
If you feel its slow when opening files from your HDD you can think about buying newer HDD or even an SSD.

Nope. DDR2 is more expensive because less of it is being made.
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-corsair-ddr2-memory-800-mhz-2x240-dimm-unbuffered-cl5
http://

 

[HR_Luka]

Well I don't kow why would anyone buy DDR2 when DDR3 is better than it and now it's cheaper.

 

[13thmonkey]

because they have a ddr2 system?

 

[HR_Luka]

because they have a ddr2 system?

You got me. Wasn't thinking about that one.

 

[13thmonkey]

the Q8300 could be on a DDR2 or a DDR3 system depending on which chipset it is on as the memory controller is on the mobo and not the CPU itself.

 

[Dominic-london]

What OS do you have? (Windows 8.1/8/7/Vista/XP and 64-bit/32-bit)

Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit

 

[Dominic-london]

that'll be more memory related (are you on DDR2 (expensive) or DDR3 (cheaper) use CPU-Z to find out) and a little to do with a slightly older processor. GPU won't make any difference. An SSD would make a very nice difference.

Thanks for help

I've got DDR2 4x1GB atm, how do I know if my pc will take DDR3?

 

[13thmonkey]

you are looking for DDR2-800 then, this kit will give you an extra 2GB as you'll have to remove 2 of yours. You might find ebay is a good place to look.
You might find that an SSD is a good upgrade that could also be moved over to your next build, whereas the ram will be thrown away for your next build. It would make programs load faster, may not help when there is lots open though.